“Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act 33 years ago today, guaranteeing about three in five working people in our country unpaid, job-protected leave when a new baby or child arrives, a serious medical condition strikes, or a seriously ill family member needs care. That law was an important first step that generated enormous benefits. But in the 33 years since, lawmakers have failed to take the next step by passing a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program. Working people, families, businesses, and our economy are suffering as a result.

“Our nation urgently needs a national paid leave program that covers every worker, regardless of the size of their employer or if they work part-time or are self-employed. Lawmakers will reintroduce the Healthy Families Act in both chambers of Congress next week. Its speedy passage would boost our economy, allow moms and other caregivers to stay in the workforce, ease labor shortages, lower costs for families and businesses, and improve the economic security of families. Every day we are without it is a day when moms are forced back to their jobs days or weeks after giving birth; seriously ill workers can’t take time to recover; children fighting cancer are without their moms and dads; seniors with life-threatening illnesses are without their loved ones; and businesses incur expenses to replace the skilled, valued employees they lose.

“States, cities, and private employers have implemented paid family and medical leave programs, proving them to be effective, easy to administer, and beneficial to moms, families, working people, businesses, and economies. America’s moms want Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act without delay. Our country will be stronger and more prosperous when it is enacted.”